North Melbourne are working in direction of Alastair Clarkson’s return to the membership, as interim Kangaroos coach Brett Ratten revealed he has had an intensive catch-up along with his long-time buddy.
The former Carlton and St Kilda coach has been accountable for the Kangaroos since May 18 after Clarkson stepped away as a result of psychological toll of the Hawthorn racism saga.
The AFL has since introduced no hostile findings in opposition to Clarkson, Chris Fagan or Jason Burt over the allegations levelled on the former Hawks trio.
The three males have denied any wrongdoing over the claims, which have been raised through an ABC report final September.
Fagan and Burt have each strongly outlined their response to being cleared by the AFL, however Clarkson has stayed out of the highlight.
There have been fears the 55-year-old may not be again at Arden St this season, however Ratten stated Clarkson appeared in state of mind when the pair touched base.
Discussions are going down between North’s chief government Jennifer Watt, soccer boss Todd Viney and Clarkson to determine on the very best return.
“I did catch up with him the other day for the first time (since Clarkson went on leave) and he was up and about, a smile on the face and really positive,” Ratten stated on Thursday.
“We were just talking footy, which is good.
“He’s the coach of the soccer membership and (it is) for the membership to work via when does he come again and in what capability.
“We spoke for about an hour-and-a-half … a good chat about everything going on.
“The progress of the youngsters places smiles on Clarkson’s face however places smiles on a whole lot of our followers and lots of people within the constructing.”
Clarkson’s comeback is unlikely to be before North’s round-18 game against Hawthorn due to simmering tensions with his former club.
A week before taking leave, Clarkson slammed Hawthorn as “shameful”, calling for an investigation into the club’s handling of the long-running racism saga, saying reputations had been “scarred”.
Hawthorn are now coached by Sam Mitchell, the Hawks’ captain for Clarkson’s first premiership with the club in 2008.
When being inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday night, Mitchell made no mention during a lengthy speech of his coach of 12 seasons.
One option is for Clarkson to ease back into coaching through a part-time role rather than immediately re-take the reins from Ratten.
“He’s been just about away and it has been one thing that we have achieved, to permit him to cease considering footy and let him take into consideration footy when it is proper for him,” Ratten stated.
“(Clarkson) has allow us to do a few little various things, however we’ve not modified enormously.
“There’s just a couple of little tweaks here and there. We’re all on the same path and we’ll keep communicating that.”
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Source: www.perthnow.com.au
